Things to do nearEverglades
The Everglades in South Florida is a vast subtropical wilderness renowned for its sawgrass prairies, diverse wildlife, and slow-moving rivers of grass.
The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, covering more than 1.5 million acres across the southern tip of Florida. Designated a national park in 1947 and later recognized as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, it occupies a place unlike anywhere else on earth. For thousands of years, the Calusa and Miccosukee peoples lived within this landscape, developing a deep knowledge of its waterways, wildlife, and seasonal rhythms that continue to shape cultural traditions in the region today.
Visitors to the Everglades encounter a mosaic of distinct ecosystems within a single park. Sawgrass prairies stretch to the horizon, broken by tree islands called hammocks that rise just slightly above the waterline. Cypress domes hold still, tannin-dark water beneath arching canopies. Along the coast, mangrove forests give way to Florida Bay, where shallow flats support sea turtles and abundant birdlife. Alligators are a constant presence throughout, while the more elusive American crocodile appears near the saltwater edges of the park.
Wildlife watching and paddling are the defining activities here. The park maintains a network of marked canoe trails, including the multi-day Wilderness Waterway that threads 99 miles through backcountry mangroves. Ranger-led walks and tram tours at Shark Valley offer guided introductions to the ecosystem, while the observation tower there provides a panoramic view across the heart of the park.
The Everglades is a place that asks patience of its visitors and returns that patience generously. Its quiet, unhurried beauty and ecological significance make it one of the most compelling natural destinations in North America.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Everglades
Visit during the dry season, roughly November through April, when wildlife concentrates around shrinking water sources and mosquitoes are far less intense.
Try an early morning canoe or kayak trip through the mangrove creeks near Flamingo, where manatees and roseate spoonbills are frequently spotted at dawn.
Bring insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of water, as the sun and humidity can be draining even on mild days.
Walk the Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm for one of the most accessible and rewarding wildlife encounters in the park, especially active in winter months.
Stop at Pa-hay-okee Overlook for a sweeping elevated view across the sawgrass prairie, a perspective that captures the true vastness of the Everglades.
Top tours & experiences near Everglades
Take a Private Everglades Airboat Tour in Homestead
Private Everglades airboat ride for your group, with park admission and shows
Explore the Everglades on a 2-Hour Airboat Tour
Private 2-hour Everglades airboat ride for up to 10 passengers
Explore the Florida Everglades on a 1.5-Hour Airboat Tour
Private 1.5-hour Everglades airboat ride for up to 10 passengers
40-Minute Everglades Airboat Tour in Weston
Ride a 40-minute Everglades airboat tour with entry to the alligator & reptile exhibit
Everglades Night Airboat Tour in Weston
Ride a nighttime airboat tour and spot Everglades wildlife by flashlight
Miami & Key West Multi-Day Tour Combo With Bike Rental
Bundle four Miami tours plus a free 3-hour South Beach bike rental
1-Hour Florida Everglades Airboat Tour
Ride an Everglades airboat through backcountry waterways in 1 hour
Everglades 40-Minute Airboat Ride & Reptile Exhibit
Ride a 40-minute Everglades airboat and explore the alligator and reptile exhibit
Jet Ski & ATV Combo Adventure in Miami
Ride a jet ski to Star Island, then hit Miami Redlands trails by ATV
Everglades 3-Hour Airboat, Swamp Buggy & Alligator Show
Get more time on a small airboat plus a swamp buggy tour and alligator show
Explore the Everglades Private Combo Airboat Tour
Private airboat ride plus swamp buggy tour, alligator show, and animal sanctuary
Fly A Helicopter Discovery Lesson In Fort Lauderdale
Take the controls on a 60-minute helicopter discovery flight
Explore the Everglades on a 14' Jon Boat Rental
Rent a 14 ft jon boat and explore or fish in the Everglades
Explore the Everglades Airboat Tour From Miami
Ride an airboat in the Everglades with private transport from Miami
Everglades Airboat Tour From Miami Beach
Ride a guided airboat through the Everglades with roundtrip transport from South Beach
Everglades Airboat Ride & Wildlife Show From Miami
Ride an airboat in the Everglades with round-trip transport from Miami Beach
Walk a Private Guided Swamp Eco Tour in Big Cypress
Explore Big Cypress on a private guided swamp walk
Everglades 60-Minute Airboat Tour & Alligator Show
60-minute airboat ride plus a Gator Boys alligator presentation and free group photo
Mangrove Eco Tour in Key Largo
Cruise Florida Bay’s mangroves and learn how they support the Keys’ ecosystems
Everglades Nighttime Python Hunt
Search Everglades back roads after dark and learn about invasive Burmese pythons
Guided Wildlife Tram Tour at Shark Valley
Explore Shark Valley’s wetlands with a naturalist-led tram ride
Everglades Guided Airboat Tour
Ride through Everglades wetlands with a ranger-led airboat safari and rescued alligator presentation
Fort Lauderdale 30-Minute Helicopter Discovery Flight
Take the controls for a hands-on introduction to helicopter flying
VIP Everglades Airboat Tour From Miami
Explore the Everglades by covered airboat with transportation from Miami
Everglades VIP Airboat Tour
Explore Everglades waterways by covered airboat with Broward County transportation
Everglades VIP Airboat Tour From West Palm Beach
Explore the Everglades by covered airboat with transportation from West Palm Beach County
Everglades Airboat Tour With Alligator Show
Glide Through Everglades Wetlands and Watch Live Alligator Demonstrations
Everglades Airboat Tour With Alligator Presentation
Ride Everglades wetlands and catch a live Gator Boys alligator presentation
Everglades Airboat Tour From Miami Beach
Explore Miami landmarks and the Everglades on an airboat adventure
Everglades ATV & Airboat Guided Tour
Explore Everglades trails by ATV, then glide across wetlands by airboat